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Jan 1, 700
1000-500BC - The Abacus
It is believed that the decimal system originated with finger counting. As the need for place value in numbers became more and more prevalent, the abacus was invented. Due to increase in trade and commerce the abacus was created in classical Greece around seventh century B.C. This event is possibly the most important invention in the history of technology because it is the “first completely successful representation of the decimal system” (Sugden, 1981). That means it is the basis for all math b -
Jan 1, 1440
The printing press
Johannes Gutenberg was the first to combine metallic type and oil based ink with a press in such a way that made mass printing a reality. This was the beginning of mass communication. From this invention came easy access to the Bible, newspapers and school text books. The information explosion that resulted from this invention can be compared to what we now experience from the invention of the internet (Rash, 2014). Textbooks are still one of the most important tools in education today. Although -
First Flight simulator
The first flight simulator “Link Trainer- Flight Simulator” was developed by Edwin Link. This breakthrough in education technology made it so that learning can take place even in situations that are difficult to obtain due to location or cost. Students can practice flying a plane without actually using costly fuel and without the risk of crashing (Balakrishnan & Woods, 2013). However, this goes way beyond flight. Students are now able to conduct a limitless number of virtual experiments, learn t -
Educational Television
On September 7th, 1927 Philo Farnsworth sent an image from his dissector camera tube to a receiver in a different room and created the first electronic television. Television has become an incredible resource in education (Scott, 2014). It can be a learning tool for all ages, from preschool to large corporations. The ability to show the exact same presentation, whether it be instructional, artistic, or informative, allows educators to be consistent and thorough in their teaching methods. -
Xerox 914 photocopier
The photocopier should not need much explaining when considering its importance in education. It has become a pivotal tool in education, not just for daily handouts but also for record keeping, permission forms and newsletters. The photocopier is getting less use over the years as more teachers are relying on emails and computer software for communicating and even homework activities (Tenner, 2010). -
Palo Alto
This computer was the first to offer a mouse to utilize for input instead of just a keyboard. It was the beginning of how we use computers today because it offered the ability to store files, use menus and icons as well as connect to networks. It was used in universities and later used as a model for what became the personal computer (Computer History Museum, 2006). This is important to note, for today’s education relies heavily on the use of personal computers, the ability to use widows and sto -
The first laptop
The first portable computer was created by Adam Osborne and it weighed 24 pounds (Computer History Museum, 2006). Although it looked nothing like the laptops we use today, this was the beginning of technology on the go. The ability to access information and education has reached to some of the furthest corners of the earth, thanks to portable technology. The XO laptop is one example of how technology is reaching out to developing countries to assist with education efforts. -
World Wide Web created
In its early years the internet was mainly used in scientific and academic communities. Once a graphics browser was added, the popularity of the internet began to blossom by around 1994 (World Wide Web, 2015). The internet has transformed the way students conduct research, the way teachers and parents communicate and the limitations of teaching in a classroom. Because of the World Wide Web, I am able to attend an online college whose building is located on the other side of the country. My daugh
